Symbiosis: thoughts on my post-pandemic transition

 

I had dinner out with two friends last night. Hugs and no masks. All three of us felt slightly weird, but happy to be together.

For artists, being alone in the studio is the norm. We’re used to long stretches of solitude.  Artists I’ve talked to over the last year have said that pre-pandemic and pandemic life was not that different, and I agree. But what about post-pandemic life?

I have resolved not to dive into the hive of new activity away from my home and studio. I want to choose carefully what I let in to my life again. I’m not sure what that means, exactly. Will I keep up daily walks but not play tennis because it takes me away from home? Can I be more consistent in protecting studio hours from other interruptions, like a plumber? Will I continue to Zoom into meetings and forego the ones that require my presence?

How are others are doing in transition?

In May I finished two artist books for two exhibitions in the near future. I took my time, researched as needed, made samples when I wasn’t sure of the next steps, completely scrapped one beginning when it didn’t meet my expectations. I never felt pressured, or settled for “good-enough.” And I heartily enjoyed slowing down in the working and re-working stages knowing I was teaching myself through mindfulness to my process.

The books are both titled “Mycorrhizal”, named for the fungi beneath the surface of the ground which assist trees and plants in their well-being. Unseen, these fungi are symbiotic, taking carbohydrates from tree roots and supplying other nutrients and water to the trees in return. They help each other to stay healthy, carry messages of distress or warning, and aid if necessary.

Symbiosis has been on my mind for some time. How often organisms create mutually beneficial relationships, how carefully and thoughtfully it seems to work out. I think there’s a lesson here if I’m careful enough to figure it out.

I’m wondering how we can stay generous to one another, open to the goodness in each other if in our relationships we take a big pause, a self-examination of our motives, and then considerate action. Symbiosis of a kind, I think. The best outcome is one that benefits both.

I love that nature teaches me something every day.  The beauty of symbiotic relationships is astonishing. That’s what I’d like for my post-pandemic life – both in the studio, and in person.